28 June 2018
We set off on 28 June from Oban for our ten days exploration of the Hebrides with the hope that we’d visit St Kilda. We did, and so much more. The crew (Chris (skipper), Alexa (wildlife guide), Pete (cook), Emma (bosun), were fantastic from the off. They effortlessly transported our mountain of luggage to our comfortable cabins which Emma kept spotless through the cruise, as well as looking after us on the rough crossing to St Kilda through to Caribbean strength G&Ts. Chris was a really good skipper. He sailed the boat well and did his best to find a route that best managed his passengers’ seafaring abilities, and he also had a ceremony to give homage to the Blue Men of the Minch! Pete’s amazing menus incorporated our requests – I’ll always remember his mussels on the first night, his haggis Scotch eggs, my mother’s clootie dumpling and much more – and we appreciated how he involved the kids (9 to 11) in the kitchen. Alexa (with Chris) magic’d up an amazing array of wildlife with huge enthusiasm and great knowledge. We became blasé about the number of dolphins we saw – I can best quote Chris “the weather and the wildlife sightings are some of the best I’ve known in almost 20 years”. The weather was fantastic which enabled us to land and explore Tobermory, Canna, Sanday, Taransay, Hirta (St. Kilda), Mingulay, Vatersay, Rum, Lunga (Treshnish Isles) and Loch Buie, as well as sailing past Neist Point (Skye), Boreray (St. Kilda), Monachs, Hellisay in the Sound of Barra, Eigg, Staffa, Ulva and Iona. The weather was so good we were able to swim off Sanday, Taransay, Mingulay and Vatersay, as well as enjoy the hot tub. This was a trip of a lifetime for us all. We were able to see so many places which have been specks on the horizon for so long. The cruise was magical and extra special. It’s given us memories to last a lifetime!
George Mitchell
This was our fifth trip on Elizabeth G and once again Rob and his superb team (including shore based Emma) delivered another fabulous holiday. Last years didn’t happen due to circumstances beyond everyone’s control. It was great to be back at the sharp end wildlife watching in the dramatic sea and landscapes. Lynsey, the wildlife guide, shared her encyclopaedic knowledge of all things animal and mineral making the holiday even more enjoyable. Sian produced the most delicious menus in quantities way above our capacity although we did our best, especially Jeff. This was our third trip with Craig and it’s just like holidaying with a family friend nothing is too much trouble, superb service. Although sea conditions didn’t allow us to keep to the original itinerary Rob ensured the alternatives were just as rewarding and his choice of overnight anchorages were idyllic and of course there was the mandatory hand dived scallops for dinner on the last night. The wildlife didn’t fail to deliver, breading birds by the tens of thousands on the towering sea cliffs, rafting on the sea and soaring overhead. Plus enough eagles whales and dolphins to keep everyone happy. St Kilda next year. Jill and Dave Jones
Dave Jones: 17 June 2021Far-flung islands: Harris, Taransay & the Flannan Isles